Near field communication (NFC)-based asset management system and method

This disclosure relates generally to asset management, and more specifically to a near field communication (NFC)-based asset management system and method.

An asset (e.g., equipment) is typically managed (e.g., inspected, serviced, fixed, etc.) by a worker who goes on-site to the location of the asset in order to perform the work. For example, in order to inspect a piece of equipment, the worker typically goes to the location of the equipment and performs the inspection on the equipment. However, traditional methods and systems for ensuring that the work on the asset actually occurs may be deficient.

According to one example, a method includes receiving (e.g., by a mobile device, by one or more processors of a mobile device) one or more work orders associated with work scheduled for one or more assets. Each of the one or more work orders is at least partially viewable on the mobile device and each of the one or more work orders is locked to editing from the mobile device. The method further includes receiving an indication that a NFC reader of the mobile device has received first data from a NFC tag associated with a first asset of the one or more assets as a result of the NFC reader of the mobile device having been positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag associated with the first asset. Following the reception of the indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has received the first data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset, the method further includes unlocking a first work order that is associated with the first asset, and applying one or more edits to the first work order. The method also includes receiving an indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has subsequently received second data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset as a result of the NFC reader of the mobile device having been subsequently positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag associated with the first asset. Following the reception of the indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has subsequently received the second data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset, the method also includes re-locking the edited first work order so that the re-locked and edited first work order is locked to further editing from the mobile device, and causing the re-locked and edited first work order to be transmitted to a second device.

According to a second example, tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media includes program instructions that are configured, when executed, to cause a mobile device to perform various functions. The functions include receiving one or more work orders associated with work scheduled for one or more assets. Each of the one or more work orders is at least partially viewable on the mobile device and each of the one or more work orders is locked to editing from the mobile device. The functions further include receiving an indication that a NFC reader of the mobile device has received first data from a NFC tag associated with a first asset of the one or more assets as a result of the NFC reader of the mobile device having been positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag associated with the first asset. Following the reception of the indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has received the first data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset, the functions also include unlocking a first work order that is associated with the first asset, and applying one or more edits to the first work order. The functions further include receiving an indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has subsequently received second data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset as a result of the NFC reader of the mobile device having been subsequently positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag associated with the first asset. Following the reception of the indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has subsequently received the second data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset, the functions further include re-locking the edited first work order so that the re-locked and edited first work order is locked to further editing from the mobile device, and causing the re-locked and edited first work order to be transmitted to a second device.

According to a third example, a mobile device includes a NFC reader, one or more memory units storing one or instructions, and one or more processor coupled to the memory units. The processors are configured, upon executing the one or more instructions, to receive one or more work orders associated with work scheduled for one or more assets. Each of the one or more work orders is at least partially viewable on the mobile device and each of the one or more work orders is locked to editing from the mobile device. The processors are also configured, upon executing the one or more instructions, to receive an indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has received first data from a NFC tag associated with a first asset of the one or more assets as a result of the NFC reader of the mobile device having been positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag associated with the first asset. Following the reception of the indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has received the first data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset, the processors are further configured, upon executing the one or more instructions, to unlock a first work order that is associated with the first asset, and apply one or more edits to the first work order. The processors are further configured, upon executing the one or more instructions, to receive an indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has subsequently received second data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset as a result of the NFC reader of the mobile device having been subsequently positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag associated with the first asset. Following the reception of the indication that the NFC reader of the mobile device has subsequently received the second data from the NFC tag associated with the first asset, the processors are further configured, upon executing the one or more instructions, to re-lock the edited first work order so that the re-locked and edited first work order is locked to further editing from the mobile device, and cause the re-locked and edited first work order to be transmitted to a second device.

1 2 FIGS.- Examples in the present disclosure are best understood by referring toof the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

An asset (e.g., equipment) is typically managed (e.g., inspected, serviced, fixed, etc.) by a worker who goes on-site to the location of the asset in order to perform the work. For example, in order to inspect a piece of equipment, the worker typically goes to the location of the equipment and performs the inspection on the equipment. However, traditional methods and systems for ensuring that the work on the asset actually occurs may be deficient. For example, sometimes a worker may claim that they performed work on an asset (e.g., inspected a piece of equipment), when they actually did not. To help ensure that the work actually occurs, traditional systems and methods may require the worker to take a picture of the asset when they are working on it, or to scan a code (e.g., a barcode, quick response code) included on the asset when they are working on the asset. Unfortunately, this may not fix the problem. For example, the worker may have previously taken a picture of the asset or code. The worker can then just use that old picture each subsequent time to make it seem like they have performed the work. This may be especially problematic when the weather is bad (e.g., it is raining) and the worker does not want to go outside to work on the asset. Additionally, the worker could just take a picture or scan the code, and then leave without actually performing the work.

10 10 14 18 10 22 22 18 14 22 18 14 18 22 14 14 14 22 18 14 22 18 18 18 54 18 14 10 14 10 14 18 1 FIG. 1 FIG. In contrast to this, the asset management systemofmay address one or more of these deficiencies. For example, the asset management systemofmay include one or more assetsthat each include a near field communication (NFC) tag, and the systemmay further include a mobile devicethat can be carried by a worker. In one manner of operation of this example, the worker may be scheduled to work on a particular asset. To perform this work, the worker may use the mobile deviceto scan the NFC tagof the assetby, for example, tapping the mobile deviceto the NFC tag. This action may unlock a work order associated with the work to be performed on the asset. That is, the NFC tagmay be used as a key to unlock a work order. Prior to being unlocked, the work order may not be edited by the worker using the mobile device. However, with the work order unlocked, the worker may being editing the work order (e.g., to indicate that the work has been complete, to attach images of the assetand/or the work being done, to indicate that the assetpassed or failed an inspection, etc.). When the worker is finished working on the asset, the worker may use the mobile deviceto scan the NFC tagof the asseta second time by, for example, tapping the mobile deviceto the NFC taga second time. This action may re-lock the edited work order. That is, the NFC tagmay be used as a key to re-lock the work order. Furthermore, the scanning of the NFC taga second time may also cause the re-locked and edited work order to be transmitted to a management devicefor record keeping, review by a supervisor, etc. In some examples, by unlocking and re-locking a work order via scans of the NFC tagof the asset, the systemmay help reduce the chances that a worker can edit a work order before or after visiting an assetto be worked on. Additionally, in some examples, by requiring a first scan at the beginning of work, and a second scan at the end of work, the systemmay help reduce the chances that the work was not actually done, as it may ensure that the worker is near (e.g., in front of) the assetthe entire time they are working. That is, it may ensure that the job is done entirely on site (e.g., it may prevent the worker from scanning the NFC taga first time and then walking off), in some examples.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 10 14 18 22 54 58 illustrates an example asset management systemthat utilizes near field communication. In the example illustrated in, systemincludes one or more assetsthat each include an NFC tag, one or more mobile device, one or more management devices, and one or more networks.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 14 14 14 14 14 10 14 In the example illustrated in, the systemincludes one or more assets. The assetrefers to anything that may need to be managed or otherwise worked on. Examples of an assetinclude equipment (e.g., pump(s), motor(s), server(s), switchgear(s), electrical system(s), mechanical system(s), computer(s), etc.), items (e.g., fire extinguisher(s), sensor(s), etc.), industrial device(s), anything for which a work order may be generated, anything that work may be performed on, anything that maintenance may be performed on, any other thing that may need to be managed or otherwise worked on, or any combination of the preceding. In some examples, an assetmay be user-defined (e.g., it can be anything that a user or system designates or determines is an asset). In the example illustrated in, the assetis a server. The systemmay include any number of assets.

1 FIG. 14 18 18 18 50 50 18 18 50 50 18 18 18 In the example illustrated in, each assetincludes an NFC tag. An NFC tagrefers to a device or item that may utilize near field communication (NFC) to transfer data to another device or item. In some examples, the NFC tagmay communicate data to an NFC readerwhen the NFC readeris in communication proximity to the NFC tag. In some examples, the NFC tagmay store data (e.g., on a microchip), and may then communicate that data to the NFC readerwhen the NFC readerenergizes the NFC tag(e.g., energizes a coil of the NFC tag) via electromagnetic induction. Examples of the NFC taginclude an NFC tag type 1, NFC tag type 2, NFC tag type 3, NFC tag type 4, NFC tag type 5, any other device or item that utilizes near field communication to transfer data to another device or item, or any combination of the preceding.

18 14 14 18 14 18 22 22 The NFC tagof an assetmay uniquely identify the asset. That is, the data stored in the NFC tagmay be a code that uniquely identifies the asset, in some examples. In such an example, by scanning the NFC tag, a mobile devicecan determine which asset has been scanned by the mobile device.

18 14 18 18 14 14 18 14 14 18 14 The NFC tagmay be positioned in or on the asset. In some examples, the NFC tagmay include a sticker (or other adhesive) that allows the NFC tagto be positioned on the assetand remain positioned on the asset. In other examples, the NFC tagmay be installed inside the asset. In some examples, an assetmay include an NFC tagthat is already built into (or on) the asset.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 22 22 22 22 22 26 30 34 26 22 38 22 42 22 22 46 34 22 22 In the example illustrated in, the systemfurther includes one or more mobile devices. The mobile devicemay be any device that is both mobile (e.g., it can be carried around by a human), and that also receives data, stores data, transmits data, presents data for display to a user, and/or receives data input by a user. For example, the mobile devicemay be (or may include) a laptop, a computer tablet, an iPad™, a mobile telephone (such as a Smartphone), an electronic notebook, a personal digital assistant, any other mobile computing or processing device, any other device that is both mobile and that can also receive data, store data, transmit data, present data for display to a user, and/or receive data input by a user, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in, the mobile deviceis a Smartphone. Furthermore, in the example illustrated in, the mobile deviceincludes a computer/data processor(e.g., hardware processor), a data storage medium(e.g., memory unit) comprising instructionsexecutable by the processorto perform the functions of the mobile device, a displaythat may present data for display to a user (e.g., to a user of the mobile device), a user interface(e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, etc.) that may allow a user to interact with the mobile deviceand/or software executed on the mobile device, and a communication port(e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, network interface) configured to receive and transmit data (e.g., receive requests for data, transmit data). In some examples, the instructionsmay be (or may include) one or more operating systems of the mobile device, one or more software applications installed on the mobile device(e.g., an “app” downloadable from an app store), any other type of instruction(s), or any combination of the preceding.

1 FIG. 22 50 50 50 18 50 14 50 18 18 18 18 50 18 18 50 In the example illustrated in, the mobile devicefurther includes one or more NFC readers. An NFC readerrefers to a device or item that may utilize near field communication to receive data from another device or item. In some examples, the NFC readermay receive data from an NFC tagwhen the NFC readeris in communication proximity to the NFC tag. In some examples, the NFC readermay energize the NFC tag(e.g., energize a coil of the NFC tag) via electromagnetic induction, causing data stored on the NFC tag(e.g., stored on a microchip of the NFC tag) to be communicated to the NFC reader. This reception of data from the NFC tagis referred to herein as scanning the NFC tag. Examples of an NFC readerinclude an NFC chip, any other device or item that utilizes near field communication to receive data from another device or item, or any combination of the preceding.

50 22 50 22 50 22 22 50 26 22 50 26 50 18 The NFC readermay be positioned in or on the mobile device. In some examples, the NFC readermay be an external device that is attached to (or otherwise in communication with) the mobile device. In other examples, the NFC readermay be installed inside the mobile device(e.g., it may be built into the mobile device). The NFC readermay be in communication with the processor(s)of the mobile device. As such, the NFC readermay be able to send indications to the processor(s)that the NFC readerhas scanned a NFC tag.

22 14 22 22 14 22 14 The mobile devicemay be associated with a user, such as a worker that is going to manage or otherwise work on one or more of the assets. For example, the mobile devicemay be a Smartphone that is owned by the worker or assigned to the worker by an employer. In such an example, the worker (or other user) may utilize the mobile deviceto assist them in managing or otherwise working on the asset(s). In such an example, the worker (or other worker) must bring the mobile devicewith them when they go to manage or otherwise work on the asset(s).

18 50 50 14 50 18 18 50 22 22 22 50 22 22 18 22 22 22 22 As is discussed above, the NFC tagmay communicate data, and the NFC readermay receive the data when the NFC readeris in communication proximity to the NFC tag. Communication proximity between the NFC readerand the NFC tagrefers to a distance between the NFC tagand the NFC reader(and/or mobile device) that is sufficiently small enough to allow the initiation and transfer of data via near field communications. In some examples, the distance may refer to a distance where a portion of the mobile device(e.g., a portion of the mobile devicenear where the NFC readeris installed in the mobile device) is in physical contact with the NFC tag. This may occur, for example, when the mobile deviceis tapped to the NFC tag. The portion of the mobile devicethat is in contact with the NFC tag may refer to a portion of the actual mobile device(e.g., the mobile devicewithout an external cover or case) or a portion of an external cover or case that is installed on or around the mobile device, or both.

22 22 50 22 18 22 18 18 22 18 22 22 22 In some examples, the distance may refer to a distance where a portion of the mobile device(e.g., a portion of the mobile devicenear where the NFC readeris installed in the mobile device) is within approximately 4 centimeters (e.g. 4 centimeters +/−1 centimeter) of the NFC tag. This may occur, for example, when the mobile deviceis held very close to the NFC tag(but is not directly contacting the NFC tag). The portion of the mobile devicethat is within approximately 4 centimeters of the NFC tagmay refer to a portion of the actual mobile device(e.g., the mobile devicewithout a cover or case) or a portion of an external cover or case that is installed on or around the mobile device, or both.

50 18 50 18 50 50 50 50 In some examples, the distance may refer to a distance where a portion of the NFC readeritself is in physical contact with the NFC tag, or where a portion of the NFC readeritself is within approximately 4 centimeters of the NFC tag. The portion of the NFC readermay refer to a portion of the actual NFC reader(e.g., the NFC readerwithout an external cover or case) or a portion of an external cover or case that is installed on or around the NFC reader, or both.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 54 In the example illustrated in, the systemfurther includes one or more management devices. The management devicemay be any device that receives data, stores data, transmits data, presents data for display to a user, and/or receives data input by a user. For example, the management devicemay be (or may include) a personal computer, a laptop, a computer tablet, an iPad™, a mobile telephone (such as a Smartphone), an electronic notebook, a personal digital assistant, a host computer, a workstation, a web server, a network server, any suitable remote server, a mainframe, a file server, any other computing or processing device, any other device for receiving data, storing data, transmitting data, presenting data for display to a user, and/or receiving data input by a user, or any combination of the preceding. The functions of the management devicemay be performed by any suitable combination of one or more servers or other components at one or more locations. In an example where the management deviceis a server, the server may be a private server, and the server may be a virtual or physical server. The server may include one or more servers at the same or remote locations. Also, the management devicemay be (or may include) any suitable component that functions as a server. In the example illustrated in, the management deviceis a personal computer. Furthermore, the management devicemay include a computer/data processor, data storage medium (e.g., memory unit) comprising instructions executable by the processor to perform the functions of the management device, a display that may present data for display to a user (e.g., to an administrator of the management device), a user interface (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, etc.) that may allow a user to interact with the management deviceand/or software executed on the management device, and a communication port (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, network interface) configured to receive and transmit data (e.g., receive requests for data, transmit data).

54 22 14 18 10 In some examples, the management devicemay be used to create one or more work orders, assign one or more work orders to particular worker(s), transmit the work orders to mobile device(s), receive edited work orders (when the work has been complete), store the work orders (e.g., edited work orders, un-edited work orders), store information about the asset(s), store information about the NFC tag(s), perform any other function related to the system, or any combination of the preceding.

1 FIG. 10 58 58 10 22 54 58 58 10 In the example illustrated in, the systemalso includes one or more networks. The networkrepresents any suitable network operable to facilitate communication between the components of system, such as mobile devicesand management devices. The networkmay include any interconnecting system capable of transmitting audio, video, signals, data, information, messages, or any combination of the preceding. The networkmay include all or a portion of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public or private data network, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local, regional, or global communication or computer network, such as the Internet, a wireline or wireless network, an enterprise intranet, any other suitable communication link, including combinations thereof, operable to facilitate communication between the components of system, or any combination of the preceding.

10 10 14 18 22 50 54 58 10 10 10 Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to systemwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, systemmay include any number of assets, NFC tags, mobile devices, NFC readers, management devices, and/or networks(and/or any number of components, such as processors or memory units illustrated or described in the above devices). Also, any suitable logic may perform the functions of systemand the components and/or devices within system. Furthermore, one or more components of systemmay be separated, combined, and/or eliminated.

2 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 200 10 200 22 26 22 200 illustrates an example methodof implementation of the asset management systemof. In the illustrated example, each of the steps of methodare performed by the mobile device(e.g., performed by the processor(s)of the mobile device). In other examples, one or more of the steps of methodmay be performed by any other device (e.g., any other device of) or entity.

200 204 208 14 The methodstarts at step. At step, one or more work orders associated with work scheduled for one or more assetsis received.

14 22 22 14 A work order may refer to documentation (e.g., electronic documentation) that describes, orders, or otherwise conveys work that is scheduled be performed on an asset. In some examples, an employer may prepare a work order (e.g., using the management device), and then send it to a worker (e.g., to the mobile devicecarried by the worker), and the worker will then use the work order to understand the type of work that is scheduled to be performed on an asset.

14 14 14 14 18 14 14 14 14 14 1 14 14 A work order may include any information that describes, orders, or otherwise conveys work that is scheduled be performed on an asset. For example, the work order may include identifier(s) of an asset(e.g., the type of asset, the name of the asset), identifier(s) of a NFC tagof the asset(e.g., a code that uniquely identifies the asset), a location of the asset(e.g., address of the asset, a room number the assetis located in), a description of the work or task to be performed (e.g., inspection, fix, survey, perform maintenance), an identifier of who the work is assigned to (e.g., assigned to Worker), a time/date that completion of the work is due (e.g., a deadline), a priority listing (e.g., urgent, not-urgent), a list of tools/items that may be needed to perform the work (e.g., an infra red scanner, an ultrasound device, a part that may be need to be replaced in the asset, etc.), status of the work (e.g., open, closed), a time/date that the work order was assigned or opened, any other information that describes, orders, or otherwise conveys work that is scheduled be performed on an asset, or any combination of the preceding.

22 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 In some examples, the work order includes one or more data entry areas (e.g., fillable rows or sections, clickable boxes, clickable flags) that may be used by a user of the mobile deviceto document the work being performed on the asset. These data entry areas may allow the user to add text to the work order (e.g., a textual comment that explains what the worker found while performing the work), attach one or more images or videos associated with the work (e.g., attach an infrared scan of the asset, attach a picture of damage to the assetbefore work was started and attach another picture of the assetafter the damage is fixed), update the status of the work order (e.g., change the status from open to closed), update the status of the asset(e.g., change the status of the assetfrom broken to working), update a test result of the asset(e.g., signify that the assetpassed or failed a particular test), edit the work order in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

22 22 22 14 14 22 54 22 In some examples, the work order may be either locked or unlocked. When locked (or re-locked), the work order is not editable by the worker using the mobile device, in some examples. For example, the work order may be in a read only mode when locked. In such a mode, all (or a portion, such as only a summary) of the work order may be viewed on a display of the mobile device, but no edits may be made to the work order. In other examples, when locked (or re-locked), the work order may only be viewable in a list format (with other work orders), but may the work order may be prevented from opening. In such an example, the list format may include a portion of the information of the work order (e.g., the location of the asset, a short description of the work/task), but may not include all of the information. In some examples, the locked mode may allow the worker (or other user of the mobile device) to view the work order and at least a portion of the information about the work order, so as to be prepared for the work when they arrive at the asset. For example, if the work order is for an infra red scan of the asset, the worker will know to bring their infra red scanner. In some examples, while the locked mode may prevent a user of the mobile devicefrom editing the work order, the work order may still be editable by the management device. This may allow a supervisor to edit portions of the work order (e.g., to change the description, which will then be updated on the mobile device) if changes to the work order are needed or desired.

22 22 14 When unlocked, the work order is editable by the worker using the mobile device, in some examples. In such a mode, the worker can view all of the work order, and the worker can input information (e.g., text, images, etc.) into the data entry areas of the work order. The unlocked mode may allow the worker (or other user of the mobile device) to document the work that they have performed on the asset.

208 14 22 26 22 22 22 22 22 Any number of work orders may be received at step, and the work order(s) may be for any number of assets. In some examples, a mobile device(e.g., processor(s)of the mobile device) may receive only the work orders that have been assigned to a worker (or user) associated with the mobile device. In other examples, a mobile devicemay receive all of the work orders (e.g., all current work orders assigned to all the workers) or an entire subset of the work orders (e.g., all work orders for infra red scanning, even if the work order is assigned to another worker), but the mobile devicemay only be able to unlock a work order that has been assigned to a worker (or user) associated with the mobile device.

208 42 54 22 54 208 The work order(s) may be received at stepin any manner. For example, the work orders may be received over the network(s)(e.g., over the Internet) from the management device. In another example, the work orders may be received via a hardwire download (e.g., connecting the mobile deviceto the management devicevia, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) cord). The work order(s) may also be received at stepat any time. For example, work order(s) may be continuously received throughout the day as they are created. As another example, the work order(s) may only be received at a predetermined time (e.g., at the start of the worker's shift).

Following reception of a work order, all or a portion of the work order may be viewable on the mobile device, in some examples. However, in some examples, all of the received work order(s) are in the locked mode. Each work order can then be subsequently unlocked (e.g., to perform the work), and then re-locked (e.g., when the work is complete), in some examples, as is discussed further below.

208 200 212 50 22 18 14 50 18 50 18 14 22 22 50 22 50 18 14 14 22 22 50 22 50 18 14 18 18 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where an indication that a NFC readerof the mobile devicehas received data from a NFC tagassociated with a particular asset, is received. In some examples, a NFC readermay receive data from a NFC tagas a result of the NFC readerhaving been positioned in communication proximity to the NFC tag(where communication proximity is discussed above in detail). In some examples, this may occur when a worker arrives at the location of an assetand then taps a portion of the mobile device(e.g., the portion of the mobile devicewhere the NFC readeris located, a portion of an external case or cover of the mobile devicethat coincides with the location of the NFC reader) to the NFC tagof the asset, causing direct contact. In other examples, this may occur when a worker arrives at the location of an assetand then positions a portion of the mobile device(e.g., the portion of the mobile devicewhere the NFC readeris located, a portion of an external case or cover of the mobile devicethat coincides with the location of the NFC reader) closely over the NFC tagof the asset(e.g., within 4 centimeters), but not causing direct contact. This reception of data from a NFC tagis referred to herein as scanning the NFC tag.

50 22 18 14 18 The indication may be any data that indicates that the NFC readerof the mobile devicehas received data from a NFC tagassociated with a particular asset. For example, the indication may be the received data, itself (e.g., a unique code stored by the NFC tag), or it may be data, code, or any other identifier that indicates that the data has been received.

212 200 216 14 22 14 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where a work order associated with an assetis unlocked. In some examples, this unlocking of the work order allows the work order to be edited using the mobile device(as is discussed above). As such, now that it is confirmed that the worker is in close proximity to the asset, the work order may now be editable by the worker so as to, for example, allow the worker to document the work being performed and, when done, to indicate that the work is complete, in some examples.

The work order may be unlocked in any manner. For example, the work order may be changed from a read only mode to an editable mode. As another example, the work order may be changed so as to open the data entry areas of the work order (e.g., to allow them to be filled in, to allow images to be added, etc.). As a further example, the work order may be allowed to open (e.g., when the user clicks on it), instead of only being shown in a list format (with other work orders).

18 18 22 18 14 22 In some examples, only a work order associated with the scanned NFC tag(i.e., the NFC tagfrom which data was received) is unlocked. For example, the mobile devicemay match a unique code received from the scanned NFC tagto a unique code entry in each work order. Only the matched work order is unlocked, in some examples. In some examples, if a particular assethas multiple associated work orders, only one of the work orders may be unlocked (instead of all of them). In such an example, the user of the mobile devicemay choose which of the multiple work order to unlock.

22 22 22 18 22 18 22 18 22 14 18 14 14 14 In some examples, the unlocking may be automatic (e.g., without further human intervention). In other examples, the unlocking may only occur if the user of the mobile devicesubsequently accepts the unlocking (e.g., by clicking “Yes” on a prompt to unlock). In some examples, a particular work order may only be unlocked if the work order is currently open (e.g., it has been clicked on) on the display of the mobile device. That is, the worker may need to first open the work order on the mobile devicebefore scanning the corresponding NFC tag. In other examples, unlocking of a work order may cause it to automatically open on the display of the mobile device. In some examples, scanning an NFC tagmay filter the work orders listed (or otherwise available) on the mobile device. For example, after an NFC tagis scanned, the mobile devicemay display only the work order(s) that correspond to the assetthat includes the scanned NFC tag. If there is more than one displayed work order for that asset, the user may subsequently open a particular work order for that asset. This opening of a particular work order may cause that work order to be unlocked (while the remaining work order(s) for that assetmay remain locked)

216 200 220 22 22 26 22 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where one or more edits are applied to an unlocked work order. The edits may be applied in any manner. For example, the edits may input by a user of the mobile device(e.g., the user may type the word “Complete”), and the mobile devicemay apply these edits to the work order (e.g., the processor(s)of the mobile devicemay cause the word “Complete” to be added to a data entry area of the work order).

14 14 14 14 14 14 Any edit(s) (or type of edit(s)) may be applied to the unlocked work order. For example, text may be added to the work order (e.g., a textual comment that explains what the worker found while performing the work), one or more images or videos associated with the work may be attached to the work order (e.g., attach an infrared scan of the asset, attach a picture of damage to the assetbefore work was started and attach another picture of the assetafter the damage is fixed), the status of the work order may be updated (e.g., change the status from open to closed), the status of the assetmay be updated (e.g., change the status of the assetfrom broken to working), a test result of the assetmay be updated (e.g., signify that the asset passed or failed a particular test), the work order may be edited in any other manner, or any combination of the preceding.

14 14 In some examples, the edits may allow the worker to document the work being performed on the asset. Additionally, when the work is complete, the edits may allow the worker to document that the work has been complete on the asset. That is, the edits may help ensure that the work is actually being done.

220 200 224 50 22 18 14 50 18 50 18 14 22 22 50 22 50 18 14 14 22 22 50 22 50 18 14 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where an indication that the NFC readerof the mobile devicehas subsequently received data from the NFC tagassociated with the particular asset, is received. In some examples, the NFC readermay subsequently receive data from the NFC tagas a result of the NFC readerhaving been positioned in communication proximity to the NFC taga second time (or a subsequent time). In some examples, this may occur when the worker finishes the work on the assetand then taps a portion of the mobile device(e.g., the portion of the mobile devicewhere the NFC readeris located, a portion of an external case or cover of the mobile devicethat coincides with the location of the NFC reader) to the NFC tagof the asset, causing direct contact, a second time (or a subsequent time). In other examples, this occur when the worker finishes the work on the assetand then positions a portion of the mobile device(e.g., the portion of the mobile devicewhere the NFC readeris located, a portion of an external case or cover of the mobile devicethat coincides with the location of the NFC reader) closely over the NFC tagof the asset(e.g., within 4 centimeters), but not causing direct contact, a second time (or a subsequent time).

50 22 18 14 18 The indication may be any data that indicates that the NFC readerof the mobile devicehas received data from a NFC tagassociated with a particular asset. For example, the indication may be the received data, itself (e.g., a unique code stored by the NFC tag), or it may be data, code, or any other identifier that indicates that the data has been received.

224 200 228 22 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where the work order is re-locked. In some examples, this re-locking of the work order prevents the work order from being further edited using the mobile device.

22 22 The work order may be re-locked in any manner. For example, the work order may be changed from an editable mode to a read only mode. As another example, the work order may be changed so as to close the data entry areas of the work order (e.g., preventing them from being filled in, preventing images from being added, etc.). As a further example, the work order may be closed (without the ability to open it back up). In such an example, the work order may still be viewable in a list format (with the other work orders), but the mobile devicemay prevent that work order from being selected or otherwise opened. As another example, the work order may be closed and it may no longer be viewable in any way on the mobile device.

22 22 22 18 22 In some examples, the re-locking may be automatic (e.g., without further human intervention). In other examples, the re-locking may only occur if the user of the mobile devicesubsequently accepts the unlocking (e.g., by clicking “Yes” on a prompt to unlock). In some examples, a particular work order may only be re-locked if the work order is currently open (e.g., it has been clicked on) on the display of the mobile device. That is, the worker may need to have the work order open on the mobile devicebefore scanning the corresponding NFC taga subsequent time. In other examples, a work order may be re-locked even if the work order is not currently open on the display of the mobile device.

228 200 232 26 22 46 22 46 22 200 22 26 26 22 26 26 46 22 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where the re-locked work order is caused to be transmitted. The re-locked work order may be caused to be transmitted in any manner. For example, the processor(s)of the mobile devicemay send the re-locked work order to the communication portof the mobile device, thereby causing the re-locked work order to be transmitted by the communication portof the mobile device. In some examples, causing the re-locked work order to be transmitted may include (or alternatively refer to) actually transmitting the re-locked work order (as opposed to just causing the transmission). For example, the steps of methodmay be performed by the mobile deviceas a whole (as opposed to just the processor(s)of the mobile device). In such an example, the mobile devicemay cause the transmission of the re-locked work order, or actually transmit the re-locked work order, or both. As another example, the processor(s)of the mobile devicemay control the actions of the communication portof the mobile device, and therefore could be said to cause the transmission of the re-locked work order, or actually transmit the re-locked work order, or both.

22 54 54 1 FIG. In some examples, the re-locked work order may be transmitted to another device. This other device may be any device other than the mobile device. For example, the other device may be the administration deviceof. In such an example, the administration devicemay store the work order for record keeping, review by a supervisor, any other reason, or any combination of the preceding.

58 54 22 54 22 58 22 22 The re-locked work order may be transmitted in any manner. For example, the re-locked work order may be transmitted over the network(s)(e.g., over the Internet) to the management device. In another example, the re-locked work order may be transmitted via a hardwire upload (e.g., connecting the mobile deviceto the management devicevia, for example, a USB cord). The re-locked work order may also be transmitted at this step at any time. For example, the re-locked work order may be transmitted as soon as it re-locked. As another example, the re-locked work order may be transmitted as soon as the mobile devicehas a connection to one or more network(s). In such an example, if the mobile devicedoes not currently have any wireless service (e.g., WiFi, cellular service), the transmission of the re-locked work order may be delayed (e.g., it may be cached) until the mobile devicehas wireless service once again. As another example, the re-locked work order may only be transmitted at a predetermined time (e.g., at the end of the worker's shift).

22 In some examples, the causing of the transmission (and/or the transmission) may be automatic (e.g., without further human intervention). In other examples, the causing of the transmission (and/or the transmission) may only occur if the user of the mobile devicesubsequently accepts the transmission (e.g., by clicking “Yes” on a prompt to transmit the re-locked work order).

232 200 236 200 212 50 22 18 14 22 14 14 18 14 212 232 14 Following step, the methodmay move to step, where it is determined if additional work orders are going to be worked on. If additional work orders are going to be worked on, the methodmay move back to step, where an indication that a NFC readerof the mobile devicehas received data from a NFC tagassociated with a particular asset, is received. That is, the worker (or other user of the mobile device) may have decided to work on another assetor work on another work order for the same asset. In such an example, the worker may scan the NFC tagof the asset, causing steps-to be repeated. The steps may be repeated any number of times, for any number of work order(s) and/or any number of asset(s).

240 200 200 200 200 In contrast, if additional work orders are not going to be worked on, the method may move to step, where methodends. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method. For example, one or more steps of methodmay be optional, or may not be performed. As a further example, the steps of methodmay be performed in parallel or in any suitable order.

200 10 14 18 18 14 18 18 In some examples, the methodmay include further steps and/or the systemmay include additional capabilities. For example, a particular work order may take a longer time than a worker currently has. In such an example, the worker may need to come back to the asset(e.g., the next day, after lunch) to finish. As such, the worker may scan the NFC taga second time, causing the work order to be re-locked (but not causing it to be transmitted). Then, when the worker comes back, the worker can re-scan the NFC taga third time, causing it to be unlocked, so that the worker can continue working on the asset. When the worker has completed the work order, the next scan of the NFC tagmay re-lock the work order and cause the re-locked work order to be transmitted. In such an example, each second scan of the NFC tagmay cause a prompt to be displayed requesting confirmation on whether the work is completed. If the work is not completed, the re-locked work order may not be transmitted. If the work is completed, the re-locked work order may be transmitted.

18 14 18 18 18 18 As another example, a particular work order may have a duration that may require a worker to re-scan the NFC tagmultiple times during the day (e.g., to ensure that the worker is still in close proximity to the asset). For example, the work order may include a running timer that prompts the worker to re-scan the NFC tagat a particular interval (e.g., every hour, every 2 hours). If the worker does not re-scan the NFC tagin time, the work order may be automatically re-locked. The worker may then be required to re-scan the NFC tagagain to unlock the work order again. When the worker has completed the work order, the next scan of the NFC tagmay re-lock the work order and cause the re-locked work order to be transmitted.

18 18 14 22 14 In some examples, the scanning of an NFC tagmay have additional uses (in addition to un-locking and re-locking a work order). For example, a supervisor (or other worker) may scan a particular NFC tag, causing all previously completed work orders (and/or any other information associated with the asset) to be received at the mobile deviceand/or pulled up for viewing (e.g., in a list format). This may allow a supervisor to check that work was performed satisfactorily, without having to bring all the completed work orders with them, or without requiring the supervisor to search for each individual work order that applies to that asset.

22 10 14 In some examples, the mobile devicemay have a timer that keeps track of the amount of time that a work order is unlocked. This time may be added to the work order when it is re-locked. As such, the systemmay be able to keep track of the amount of time that the worker was working on the asset. That amount of time may then be compared to time estimates associated with the work. If they differ by a significant amount, the recorded time may be an indication that the worker was not working properly, in some examples.

18 22 18 14 18 14 In some examples, the NFC tagsmay also be written to by the mobile device. This may allow portions of the completed work order to be written to an NFC tagincluded on an asset. For example, the result of a test (e.g., pass, fail) may be written to an NFC tagafter the assethas been tested.

10 50 18 10 14 In some examples, although systemhas been described above as operating using an NFC readerand NFC tags(via near field communications), in other examples, systemmay operate using any other proximity sensing devices. Examples of such proximity sensing devices include radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and RFID tags, any other items or devices that can detect that a worker is in close proximity to an assetthat the worker is working on, or any combination of the preceding.

10 22 54 22 54 In various examples, the herein described systems (e.g., system), devices (e.g., mobile device(s)and management device(s)), components of the devices, and methods may be implemented in software, firmware, or executable instructions stored in a data storage medium such as or including machine-readable medium. The term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. Some examples may be implemented using a machine-readable medium or article which may store an instruction or a set of instructions that, if executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method and/or operations in accordance with the examples. Such a machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. Computers and computer systems described herein (e.g., mobile device(s)and management device(s)) may include operatively associated computer-readable memory media such as memory for storing software applications and instructions used in obtaining, processing, storing or communicating data. It can be appreciated that such memory can be internal, external, remote or local with respect to its operatively associated computer or computer system. Memory may also include any manner of storing software or other instructions including, for example and without limitation, solid state RAM storage, a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, DVD, compact disc, memory stick, flash drive, compact disc flash drive, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (extended erasable PROM), or other like computer-readable media. The machine-readable medium or article may include, for example, any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and/or storage unit, for example, memory, removable or non-removable media, solid state random access media, erasable or non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, various types of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like.

It will be further apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the examples as described hereinabove may be implemented in many different examples of instruction (e.g., software or firmware) and hardware. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement some of the illustrated examples do not limit the present disclosure. The instructions may be implemented, for example, using any suitable programing language, which may include high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled or interpreted programming languages, such as, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, BASIC, SQL, Perl, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, Go, Python, R, Java Script, Typescript, Objective C, Swift, assembly language, machine code, and so forth. The examples are not limited in this context.

200 10 22 54 The methods (e.g., method), systems (e.g., system), devices (e.g., mobile device(s)and management device(s))), and components of the devices have been illustrated and described herein as comprising several separate functional elements, such as modules or units. Although certain of such modules or units may be described by way of example, it can be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of modules or units may be used and still fall within the scope of the examples. Further, although various examples may be described in terms of modules or units to facilitate description, such modules or units may be implemented by one or more hardware components (e.g., embedded systems/peripherals, processors, chips, FPGAs, DSPs, PLDs, ASICs, circuits, registers, servers, clients, network switches and routers), software components (e.g., programs, subroutines, logic) and/or combination thereof. It can be appreciated that, in certain aspects, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to provide an element or structure or to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative to practice certain examples of the present disclosure, such substitution is considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, all or a portion of the system, its features or functional elements, modules, units, etc. or one or more steps of the method may be associated with, implemented by, executed on, or embedded in (e.g., as embedded software/firmware) one or more hardware components. Further, such one or more components so configured may be installed or associated with one or more devices and therein configured to perform the herein described system functionalities or methods. The modules or units may comprise, or be implemented as, one or more systems, sub-systems, devices, components, circuits, logic, programs, or any combination thereof, as desired for a given set of design or performance constraints. For example, the modules may comprise electronic elements fabricated on a substrate. In various implementations, the electronic elements may be fabricated using silicon-based IC processes such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar, and bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS) processes, for example. The examples are not limited in this context.

It may be appreciated that terms such as “processing”, “generating”, “determining”, or the like, unless stated otherwise, refer to the action or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic) within the computing system's registers or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. The examples are not limited in this context. An action such as “identifying” or “matching” when performed by a computer or computer system may include identification by determining, accessing system data, comparisons with system data, instructions, or the like. An action such as initiating may include causing an event or thing initiated either directly or indirectly. For example, initiating may include signaling, providing power or instructions, physical manipulation, transmission of data, calculation of conditions, or other step resulting in the event sought to be initiated. Furthermore, an action such as “storing”, when used in reference to a computer or computer system, refers to any suitable type of storing operation including, for example, storing a value to memory, storing a value to cache memory, storing a value to a processor register, and/or storing a value to a non-volatile data storage device.

This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed examples (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional examples not expressly set forth in this specification. Such examples may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples described in this specification. In this manner, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims during prosecution to add features as variously described in this specification.